How do you clear up acne fast, when it pops up out of nowhere and you don’t have the time or patience to wait it out, and you need it gone yesterday?
Acne always seems to show up at the worst possible times.
If you’re looking for tried and true ways to help clear acne flare-ups fast then this is for you.
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How can I clear up acne fast?
Tip #1
Ice it
This works if you have a swollen red inflamed pimple causing you pain.
If that’s the case then reach for an ice cube. It will help to reduce redness, swelling, and pain.
For this to work, wrap the ice cube in a cloth so it’s not directly against your skin and place it on the pimple for 20 to 30 seconds, followed by a minute or so of rest.
Repeat throughout the day to help with pain and temporarily reduce swelling.
Icing may not make the blemish heal faster, but it can ease the pain of swollen breakouts.
Alternately, heat is better to soothe your skin if you feel a blemish coming on.
Use a warm compress or steam to bring everything to the surface then apply a spot treatment.
Tip #2
Use crushed aspirin
Surprising, I know, but this can actually help.
Aspirin contains salicylic acid, which helps to clear acne and unclog pores by dissolving dead skin cells while simultaneously reducing swelling and redness.
Applying a paste made of crushed aspirin and water removes excess oil and dead skin and helps reduce the pain of a swollen pimple.
To make the paste, crush an aspirin and mix it with a few drops of water. Then apply it directly to the pimple.
Tip #3
Don’t pick your face
You’ve probably heard this before but it bears repeating.
Picking at your face tends to cause more harm than good.
So please resist the temptation!
Picking can cause bleeding, which can lead to inflammation, infection and scarring.
And once that happens it will take that annoying spot twice as long to disappear.
Picking can also spread acne causing bacteria which will just compound the issue and make your breakouts worse.
So while this tip may seem trivial, it’s one of the most important things you can do to help your skin heal, which in the long run will help your skin clear up faster.
Don’t pick at your face and your acne will clear up sooner.
Tip #4
Use makeup with salicylic acid
Some makeup formulas are better than others.
If you wear makeup, choose a formula with ingredients that will help heal and clear up your acne while providing coverage.
Salicylic acid is a common acne-fighting ingredient that’s useful in preventing and treating pimples and can be found in several makeup brands.
Tip #5
Don’t squeeze it
Just like picking it’s never a good idea to squeeze a pimple!
Squeezing just creates more problems.
It pushes inflammation deep into the skin, which triggers scar formation and stretches out your pores.
Instead, use a cloth with hot (not scalding) water to clean out any pus before applying a spot treatment or covering it with a pimple patch
Tip #6
Leave it alone
Sometimes the more you try to fix a problem, the worse it becomes.
When you try to do to much to your skin, you end up with dryness, irritation, acne flare-ups, scarring and never get ahead.
Instead, of treating acne during a flare up try to prevent acne in the first place.
And one of the most effective ways of doing this is with your daily skin care routine.
Staying consistent with a good skin care routine can be more beneficial than trying to fight acne during a breakout.
If you’re having a hard time staying consistent with your routine, would like to start a routine or track what’s working and what’s not then a skincare routine planner might help.
I’ve created a skin care routine planner that you may find helpful.
You can use it to plan your skincare routine for the day, week or month, track what products you’re using and if they’re working. Click to download a copy of the skincare planner.
Because it’s much more effective to use a targeted skincare routine to prevent acne in the first place.
Tip #7
Avoid makeup with pore-clogging ingredients
Another way to clear up acne fast is to avoid makeup that contains mineral oil or lanolin.
These ingredients are comedogenic and have a high likelihood of clogging your pores and triggering acne.
So carefully check the labels to be sure your makeup products don’t contain either.
Instead, use mineral makeup on your skin rather than oil-based ones that can contribute to breakouts
Tip #8
Avoid trigger foods
Are there certain foods that trigger your acne? Sugar? Dairy?
It’s important to keep tabs on whether certain foods correspond with a sudden onset of breakouts.
If you do have trigger foods, it might be hard to avoid them but consider swapping them out for healthier skin alternatives.
Like drinking more water instead of sugary drinks.
Eliminating acne triggers from your diet can prevent recurring breakouts and clear up any blemishes.
Tip #9
Check your shampoo
Prevention also begins with paying attention to the many things that go near your face.
Acne is sometimes caused by or worsened by certain hair products.
Sulphate-based or fragranced shampoos can sometimes cause breakouts.
If you notice that acne tends to pop up on the sides of your face, then consider swapping out your shampoo and conditioner.
Tip #10
Don’t stress
While it’s easier said than done, the most important thing is not to stress because stress-induced acne is common.
If your acne escalates from a few bumps to persistent cystic acne, then seek advice from a dermatologist.
Tip #11
Use an acne spot treatment
Acne spot treatments are very effective at getting rid of stubborn but minor pimples.
These treatments usually include ingredients like benzoyl peroxide which helps to kill acne-causing bacteria and salicylic acid which helps to exfoliate and unclog your pores.
Retinoids are also used to help control cell turnover, which allows clogged cells to shed and prevents clogging.
There are many different types of spot treatments for you to experiment with to find what works best for you.
Tip #12
Wash your face regularly with a gentle cleanser
If you only take one tip from this list, this is it.
It’s important that you follow and stick to a daily cleansing routine.
Your oil glands are active all day and when that oil combines with dirt, makeup, and pollution, it can potentially worsen and cause breakouts.
You can wash your face once or twice a day (depending on personal preference) but do use a gentle cleanser.
Don’t make the mistake of thinking that because you have acne, you need harsh chemicals or that you need to wash your face often.
Washing once a day can be enough.
Tip #13
Apply a Sulfur Mask
If spot treatments don’t help clear up your acne, you may have better luck with a sulphur mask.
Sulphur has been used as an acne treatment for many years and will help to unclog your pores and reduce inflammation.
It can also help inflamed swollen pimples look smaller.
You can apply the mask on just the pimple or over your entire face.
Some products can be left on overnight as a spot treatment and others must be rinsed off after a few minutes.
Make sure to closely follow all directions on your product, and never leave a mask on longer than it says on the package.
Tip #14
Get a Cortisone Injection
A cortisone injection may be an option if you have deep, painful zits and cystic breakouts that don’t want to heal.
Keep in mind that cortisone injections aren’t meant to be used as a regular treatment for acne (an effective skincare routine should be a priority), but they’re helpful and get rid of acne fast.
For this procedure, diluted cortisone is injected into the pimple and within a few hours, the swelling and pain go away.
Ideally, you’ll want to speak with your doctor or dermatologist about this option before you need one.
Tip #15
Stop breakouts before they start
If you’re constantly breaking out, then your ultimate goal is to stop acne from forming in the first place.
For this, you’ll need a good skincare routine consisting of either professional products, homemade skincare products or DIY beauty products that target, treat and heal acne.
Most over-the-counter products can work for mild acne, but, if your acne is inflamed, stubborn, or severe you’ll need a prescription medication.
If that’s the case don’t hesitate to get advice from a dermatologist. A dermatologist can help you with a treatment plan to clear your skin.
For some great tips and effective ways to clear up your acne read 21 Proven Ways To Get Rid Of Embarrassing Face Acne For Good
Final thoughts
You may not be able to clear up your acne immediately, however, these tips can help speed healing, and make any blemish look and feel better while it does.
The absolute best way to clear acne is to stop them before they start by using proven acne treatments regularly.
And when in doubt or in need of advice see a dermatologist. They can help you find effective treatments to get your blemishes under control.
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